Local Teacher Wins 2013 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year

The Learning Disabilities Association of Maryland is pleased to announce that Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Powell, special education teacher at St. Mary’s County, Maryland’s Greenview Knolls Elementary School, has been named the 2012 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year by the Learning Disabilities Association of America. Lisa will be honored at the LDA 50th Annual International Conference in San Antonio, Texas in February 2013.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano, with members of the Board of Education and the Learning Disabilities Associations of St. Mary’s County and Maryland, congratulate Lisa Powell, winner of the Sam Kirk 2012 Educator of the Year.

The Sam Kirk Educator of the Year honors “an educator who has made outstanding contributions to the education of persons with learning disabilities.” It’s an “opportunity to give educators a well-deserved ‘thank you’ and lets them know that they are greatly valued for their contributions to individuals with learning disabilities. The award is designed so that exceptional educators can be honored at the local, state, and national levels.”

Lisa is a teacher of exceptional quality, and has never lost her zeal for educating children with learning disabilities. She regularly continues her professional growth, with the goal of learning for new or better ways to teach, by attending workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities and trainings. Lisa meets the student at their level and helps them grow. Additionally, Lisa was a part of a grant writing team that received a Dominion Power Grant that included technology to benefit one of her students.

Lisa generously gives of her time to the community. She is a member of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education, where she has served as Secretary for three years. She has been a guest lecturer at the state’s Parent Training and Information Leadership training, and has mentored many new teachers. She has an indefatigable spirit when it comes to her students and school. Lisa’s commitment and dedication to her students and the community is a true example of Dr. Kirk’s work.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Southern Maryland, Inc., may offer scholarships to help defray the costs of sending children with special needs to summer camp. Preference will be given to current members of LDA of Southern Maryland. When scholarships become available, applications will be posted here.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Southern Maryland is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.